Track instrument



1942- F. H. RlCHTERKESSING 2,302,391

TRACK INSTRUMENT Filed Mar s, 1941 s Sheets-Sheet 1 5 K R Y RE E OHXM m 0 u m A K N mm Nov. 24, 1942. F. H. RICHTERKESSING TRACK INSTRUMENT s Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 3, 1941 0 a W a m m 1 m 7 aw; 1 m Z y 7 M m 5 FF 3 m 4 a WM 5 u MK 03 m N W H w m m" m a I N x 0 w FL N 3 I r Nov. 24, 1942.

F. H. RICHTERKESSING TRACK INSTRUMENT Filed March 3, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 F 6 10 lg INVENTOR FRANK H Q/CHTEQKESSING BY 2 x a I ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 24, 1942 UNITED STATES. PATENT OFFICE TRACK INSTRUMENT Frank H. Richterkessing, Louisville, Ky., assignor to Naohod & United States Signal 00., Incorporated, Louisville, Ky., a corporation of Kentucky Application March 3, 1941, Serial No. 381,449

5 Claims. (Cl. 200-1) This invention relates to improvements in a Figure 6 is a front elevational view of the inrail-operated circuit-controller, sometimes r strument; ferred to as a track instrument. Figure '7 is a plan view of the instrument with The primary object of this invention is to prothe cover removed; and vide a track instrument operated by the vertical Figure 8 is a front elevational view of the inmovement of a rail or track for opening or closstrument with the cover removed. ing a circuit by the passage of a car or train This invention has particular reference to imover the rail at the location of the instrument. m v ts in track instruments of the class Another object of this invention is to provide disclosed in my United States Letters Patent No. a track instrument in which the depression of lo 2, 6 issued August 1933, and ehtltled the rail is transmitted to the contacts of the Rail op rat d cir u t tr l d y, instrument by means of aself-adjusting frictionto coordinate the disclosure of my present indrive. vention with that embraced by the aforesaid let- A further object of this invention is to prot s pa all similar pa s a d paratus s f vide a track instrument having means for ad- 15 my present invention have been designated by lusting the actuating lever thereof, so as to ac- Corresponding a s d Characterscommodate various ranges of rail movements. Referring now in deta l o the accompanying Another object of this invention is to provide drawings illus r in h present inv it a track instrument having biasing means, operwill be observed that the contact mechanism is atively associated with the contact mechanism ou ted W t n a as having a ab e thereof, for automatically actuating the contact cover It. As illustrated in Figu e the instrumechanism to a position for a safe failure, should ment casin Ill and cover 13 separ on a the actuating lever become accidently discondiagonal line to provide Complete access o the nected from the rail. operating parts within the casing II), when the A further bje t of th i ti is t '9 cover I2 is removed. While not specifically illusvide simple devices for adjusting th position of trated in the drawings, it is to be understood that the instrument with res ect t th il, the cover 13 has a perimetrical ledge to which is Another object of my inv ntion is t provide secured a suitable gasket, which gasket is adapted a simple contact mechanism, whereby the noro en e h d l e es f e casin It to mally-open contacts close before the normallyp v a ate S a closed contacts open. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it will be These and oth bjects 111 manife t, t observed that the cover I3 is removably secured selves as the following description is read in conto the in i y means f a i l l mpin nection with the ac om a in drawings in device, which device includes a link 60 pivotally which: f secured to lugs 100 by means of a pivot pin 59. Figure 1 is a plan view of the instrument illus- One end of an arm 92 s p v y Secured o l trating. the relative position of the same with re- 53 y means f a pivot D d the pp spect to the rail, and th an in which t end of arm 62 is slotted to receive shank 66a of actuating lever 2| embraces th n; link 68. Link 66 is pivotally secured to lugs lOb Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the in- 1 means a Pivot pin A clamping nut 63 strurnent also illustrating the relative position threajled upon the threaded portlon of Shank of the same with respect to the rail, and the Whlch nut operatlvfily engages the 51tted manner in which the actuating lever 2| embraces and of arm 62 for clampmg the arm agamst the t rail. Iv cover '3.

Figure 3 is a sectional View on a Slightly To provide a uniform compression of the cover asket, arm 62 is rovided with a centrall -dislarged scale and taken along line 3--3 of Figure 8. iosed conicahprogaction, which projecfizn is Flgur? 4 an entarged deta11 of the Contact guided into central engagement with the cover mechanism, illustrating the relation of the parts by means f a Suitable conical depression formed \Vhn th actuating lever Of Figure 3 is raised pf therein A hasp lever is pivotally ecured to by the rail; the clamping nut 63 by means of a pivot pin 64,

u e 5 s an ged detail of the contact and the hasp lever is slotted to receive a suitmechanism, illustrating the relation of the parts able lock-receiving staple 61 fixedly secured to when the actuating lever 2! of Figure 3 is delink 65. pressed by th rail; The mechanism case It! is also provided with mounting lugs lila, which lugs are slotted to re ceive clamping bolts l2 for adjustably securing the mechanism case It to an adjustable foundation.

The adjustable foundation, as shown in Figure 2, includes a top plate i i having an aperture receiving a center tube 69. The upper end of center tube 69 is fixedly secured to plate H, as for instance, by welding, and the tube 69 slides within a stationary tube IO. The stationary tube T is preferably long enough to extend below the frost line, and is provided with an enlarged footing or base plate. The upper end of the stationary tube i9 is slotted longitudinally, and, by means of clamp '52, U-bolt H and nuts 13, the stationary tube Z0 is clamped to the center tube 69 for securing the same in various positions of vertical adjustment. The stationary tube 13 is also apertured near the base plate, and all external wiring enters the latter mentioned aperture and extends upwardly through the tubes and into the mechanism case (0 by means of a coupling 40.

The coupling 43 comprises a short length of conduit secured to the mechanism case by means of locknuts 43a. and suitable gaskets. The external wiring is brought into the mechanism case through the short length of conduit, which wiring is sealed in the conduit by means of suitable compound. Accordingly, it will be apparent that the coupling 43 becomes a part of the external cable or wiring, which coupling in turn is detachably secured to the mechanism case by means of the aforesaid locknuts 40a, as illustrated in Figure 8.

As further illustrated in Figure 2, the instrument is preferably mounted between two adjacent ties l5, and adjacent the base of the rail 24, with the rigid rail arm 2| on top of the rail base, and the rail spring 22 beneath the rail base. Therefore, it will be apparent that the relative vertical movement of the rail with respect to the earth or ballast I is transmitted to the contact mechanisms within the instrument, via the rail arm 2| and rail spring 22.

As illustrated in Figure 6, rail arm 2| is provided with 3 apertures, either of which may receive the shaft l9, and thus provide three operating lengths for the rail arm 2!. A pair of clamping bolts 23 are provided for securing the rail arm 2| to the shaft 19.

As illustrated in Figure 3, shaft i9 is journaled in boss H, which boss is fixedly secured to casing it. At lfic the shaft I9 is reduced in diameter to provide a chamber for receiving lubrication via a lubricating fitting 53 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7.

A suitable packing material 42 surrounds shaft l9, which material is retained in a suitable packing cup by means of a packing gland 43.

A mechanism plate 25 is journaled on shaft l9, which mechanism plate 25 is provided with an annular recess for receiving a friction disc 26, preferably made of sheet cork, and a drive plate 23.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the shaft I9 is reduced in diameter at l9a, and straight-knurled for fixedly securing the drive plate 20 to shaft i9. An extension 51 is fixedly secured to the reduced portion IE a by means of rivet I37), and an arm 49 is adjustably secured to the extension 5'! by means of set screw 50. The extension 51 is also reduced in diameter at 51a, so that any burring of the extension 51 by means of set screw 50 will not interfere with adjustment or removal of arm 49.

A spring collar 21a is journaled on shaft l5, likewise the packing gland 43, and a compression spring 21 reacts between the packing gland 43 and collar 2'l'a for compressing the friction disc 26 between the drive plate 20 and mechanism plate 25, and for compressing the packing material 42.

A thrust collar 53 is removably secured to shaft H) by means of a tapered pin 54, which collar engages boss I! for limiting the longitudinal inward movement of shaft l9. Accordingly, it will be apparent that the rail arm 2| can be removed without disassembling the mechanism carried by shaft [9.

Obviously, rotation of shaft l9, via rail arm 2!, correspondingly rotates drive plate 20, the rotation of which, rotates the mechanism plate 25 about the axis of shaft l9 via friction disc 26.

To limit the rotational movement of mechanism plate 25, a post 29 is fixedly secured at 29a to the casing ID. A pivot pin 28 is fixedly secured in post 29, which pin extends through an aperture 25a in the mechanism plate 25.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the diameter of aperture 25a is greater than the diameter of the pivot pin 28, and thus permits rotation of the mechanism plate 25 in accordance with the limits determined by the difference in diameter of aperture 25a and pivot pin 28.

The drive plate 20 and mechanism plate 25 are preferably made of insulating material, and a contact 32 is fixedly secured to the mechanism plate 25, preferably on the side opposite to that having the aperture 25a, and preferably between the aperture 25a and the pivotal axis of the mechanism plate 25.

A contact block 11, preferably constructed of insulating material, is journaled on pivot pin 28 and drive pin 251). Accordingly, it will be apparent that rotation of drive pin 25b about shaft 19 correspondingly rotates contact block 11 about pivot pin 28. Obviously, therefore, clockwise rotation of mechanism plate 25 about shaft l9, provides a counter-clockwise rotation of the contact block 11 about pivot pin 28.

A flexible contact member 34 is fixedly secured to the contact block 11 via screws 41, which flexible member is provided with a contact plate 33 adapted to electrically engage contact 32, when the mechanism plate 25 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. A rigid contact-member is also fixedly secured to the contact block 11 via screws 48, which rigid member is provided with a contact tip 3|a. adapted to mechanically and electrically engage the contact plate 33, when the mechanism plate 25 is rotated in a clockwise direction.

From the fore oing it will b apparent that counter-clockwise rotation of the mechanism plate 25 about shaft [9, provides a clockwise rotation of the contact block 11 about pivot pin 28 via drive pin 25b. Accordingly, contact plate 33 and contact 32 each move one toward the other and into electrical engagement. The rigid member 31, flexible member 34 and contact 32 are so related one to the other that contact plate 33 and contact 32 electrically engage, and contact tip 3la and contact plate 33 disengage substantially at the midpoint of the rotational movement of the mechanism plate 25.

Therefore, further counter-clockwise rotation of the mechanism plate 25 flexes member 34, and

moves the contact tip 3! a further from engagement with contact plate 33.

Figure illustrates the relation of part at the extreme limit of counter-clockwise rotation of mechanism plate 25, and Figure 4 illustrates the relation of parts at the extreme limit of clockwise rotation of mechanism plate 25.

Obviously, clockwise rotation of the mechanism plate moves the contact tip 3la into engagement with the contact plate 33 substantially at the midpoint of its rotational movement, thereby electrically engaging contacts Ma and 33, and electrically disengaging contacts 3-3 and 32, whereupon further clockwise rotation of mechanism plate 25 moves contact plate 3 further from n gagement with contact 32.

As illustrated in Figure 8, a terminal board 38 of insulating material is fixedly secured to casing via screws 39, which terminal board is provided with three terminal post ill and E5 to which terminals the external wiring connections are made.

As further illustrated in Figures i, 5 and 8, flexible Wire--connection connects terminal 36 and rigid member 3 i; flexible wire-connection 31a connects terminal iii flexible member 3 1 and flexible wire-connection its connect terminal 45 and contact As illustrated in Figures 3, '7 and 8, a tension spring 18 connects arm 59 and hook hook is fixedly secured to casing iii. A similar hook 5! is also provided at the opposite side of th pivotal axis of arm 49, so that spring 18 arm 49 may be adapted to rotate the mechanism plate either in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction should the rail arm 2i become accident-1y disconnected from the rail.

As illustrated in drawings, spring '68 and arm 49 are adapted to rotate the' mechan' plate in a clockwise accidently disengage the rail.

Similarly, it will be observed that the drawings illustrate th rail 2! disposed to provide a counter-clockwis rotation of the mechanism plate 25 in response to a downward movement of the rail, and a clockwise rotation in response to an upward movement of the rail. Obviously, as illustrated in dotted lines in re 1, the position of rail arm 2i may be reversed so that a downward movement of the rail provic a clock" wise rotation of the mechanism base 25, and an upward movement of the rail provides a counterclockwise rotation of the mechanism plate 25.

With the rail arm 25 disposed as illustrated solid lines in Figure 1, the mechanism plate 25, and associated parts, normally assume the relative positions illustrated in Figure 4, which parts are moved to the relative positions illustrated in Figure 5 in response to a downward movement of the rail with respect to the earth or ballast '16.

Obviously, with the rail arm disposed as illustrated in dotted lines in Figure l, the mechanism plate 25, and associated parts, normally assume the relative positions illustrated in Figure 5, which parts are moved to the relative positions illustrated in Figure 4 in response to a downward movement of the rail with respect to the earth or ballast 16.

Operation Assuming the rail arm disposed in the position illustrated in solid lines in Figure l, the spring '18 and arm 49 disposed as illustrated in Figure 8, the mechanism plate and associated parts will assume the relative positions illustrated which direction should the rail arm 2! l.

iii)

in Figure 4, when the rail 24 is in the normal position illustrated in Figure 2.

Accordingly, a train moving past the point in cluding rail 24, moves the rail downwardly with respect to the earth or ballast 16.

This downward movement of rail 24, rotates the mechanism plate 25 in a counter-clockwise direction, via rail arm 21, shaft 19, drive plate 20 and friction disc 26.

Counter-clockwise rotation of the mechanism plate 25 about shaft is, rotates contact block 1'! clockwise about pivot pin 28, via drive pin 25?).

Clockwise rotation of the contact block TI about pin 28, brings contacts 32 and 33 into electrical engagement, and contacts 33 and 31a out of electrical engagement.

Obviously, rotation of the mechanism plate, and associated parts, is limited by the inter-engagement of pin 28 and the walls of aperture 25a. Accordingly, rotation of rail arm 2! in excess of that determined by pin 28 and aperture 25a, provides a slipping of the clutch formed by the drive plate 25!, friction disc 26 and cooperating recess in the mechanism plate 25.

Therefore, as th train moves beyond the point including rail 24, the rail moves upwardly and restores the mechanism plate 25 and associated parts to their normal positions.

With spring 18 and arm 49 disposed as illustrated in Figure 8, the contacts 33 and 32 remain disconnected in the event the rail arm 2| accidentally disengages the rail 24. However, if it is desired to have th contacts 33 and 32 close upon such accidental dis ngagement, then the arm 48 is moved to the side opposite to that illustrated, and spring 73 connected to hook 5 Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A switch instrument comprising, a stationary frame; a first base of insulating material rotatably mounted on said frame; means for rotating said base in one or the opposite direction, respectively; a first contact fixed to said base at one side of the axis of rotation of said base; said base having an aperture therein at the opposite side of the said axis of rotation; a stationary member fixed to said frame and projected through said aperture for limiting rotation of said first base; a second base of insulating material rotatably mounted on the said member; a second contact fixed to said second base; a third contact flexibly mounted on said second base and electrically engaging the said second contact; said first contact rotatable with the said first base and adapted to electrically engage the said third contact and to move the said third contact out of electrical engagement with the said second contact when the said first contact engages the said third contact; and a, pin fixed to the said first base, and operatively associated with the said second base between the axis of rotation thereof and the axis of rotation of the said first base, for rotating the said second base to move the said first and third contacts into or out of electrical engagement, when the said first base is rotated in one or the opposite direction, respectively.

2. A switch instrument comprising, a stationary frame; a first base of insulating material rotatably mounted on the said frame; means for rotating the said first base in one or the opposite direction respectively; an operating member fixed to said base at one side of the axis of rotation thereof; said base having an aperture therein at the opposite side of the axis of rotation thereof; a stationary member fixed to said frame and projected through said aperture for limiting rotation of said first base; a second base of insulating material rotatably mounted on the said stationary member; a first contact fixed to said second base; a second contact flexibly mounted on said second base and electrically engaging the said first contact; the said operating member rotatable with the said first base and adapted to engage the said second contact and to move the said second contact out of electrical engagement with the said first contact, when the said operating member engages the said second contact; and a pin fixed to the said first base, and operatively associated with the said second base between the axis of rotation thereof and the axis of rotation of the said first base, for rotating the second base to move the said second contact and the operating member into or out of engagement. when the said first base is rotated in one or the opposite direction, respectively, thereby to move the said first and second contacts into or out of electrical engagement.

3. A switch instrument comprising, a stationary frame; a first base of insulating material rotatably mounted on the said frame; means for rotating the said first base in one or the opposite direction, respectively; means fixedly secured to the said frame, and operatively associated with the said first base, for limiting rotation of the said first base; an operating member fixed to the said first base at one side of the axis of rotation thereof; a second base of insulating material rotatably mounted on the said frame and at the opposite side of the axis of rotation of the said first base; a first contact fixed to the said second base; a second contact flexibly mounted on the said second base and electrically engaging the said first contact; the said operating member rotatable with the said first base and adapted to engage the said second contact and to move the said second contact out of electrical engagement with the said first contact, when the said operating member engages the said second contact; and means fixedly secured to said first base, and opcratively engaging the said second base between the axis of rotation thereof and the axis of rotation of the said first base, for rotating the said second base to move the said second contact and the said operating member into or out of engagement, when the said first base is rotated in one or the opposite direction, respectively, thereby to move the first and second contacts into or out of electrical engagement.

4. A switch instrument comprising, a stationary frame; a first base of insulating material rotatably mounted on said frame; means for rotating the said first base in one direction; means fixedly secured to the said frame, and operatively associated with the said first base, for limiting rotation of the said first base; a first contact fixed to the said first base at one side of the axis of rotation thereof; a second base of insulating material rotatably mounted on the said frame and at the opposite side of the axis of rotation of the said first base; a second contact fixed to the said second base; a third contact fiexibly mounted on the said second base and electrically engaging the said second contact; the said first contact rotatable with the said first base and adapted to electrically engage the said third contact and to move the said third contact out of electrical engagement with the said second contact, when the said first base is rotated in one direction; means fixedly secured to the said first base, and operatively engaging the said second base between the axis of rotation thereof and the axis of rotation of the said first base, for rotating the said second base to move the said third contact into electrical engagement with the said first contact and out of electrical engagement with the said second contact; and a spring secured to the said frame and operatively associated with the said first base, for moving the said first base in the opposite direction to move the said third contact out of electrical engagement with the said first contact and into engagement with the said second contact.

5. A switch instrument comprising, a stationary frame; a first base of insulating material rotatably mounted on said frame; means for rotating the said first base in one or the opposite direction, respectively; means fixedly secured to the said frame, and operatively associated with the first base, for limiting rotation of the said first base; a first contact fixed to the said first base at one side of the axis of rotation thereof; a second base of Pnsulating material rotatably mounted on the said frame and at the opposite side of the axis of rotation of the said first base; a second contact fixed to the said second base; a third contact flexibly mounted on the said second base and electrically engaging the said second contact; the said first contact rotatable with the said first base and adapted to electrically engage the said third contact and to move the said third contact out of electrical engagement with the said second contact; and means fixedly secured to the said first base, and operatively engaging the said second base between the axis of rotation thereof and the axis of rotation of the said first base, for rotating the said second base to move the said third contact into electrical engagement with the said first contact and out of electrical engagement with the said second contact.

FRANK H. RICHTERKESSING. 

